On December 6, WTA World No. 43 Sorana Cirstea announced her retirement from tennis. She shared the news on Instagram, writing, “I love tennis…I love the discipline, the routines, the hard work. The competition and the adrenaline fuel my soul. But like everything in life, it must come to an end.” After two decades on tour, the Romanian star is now reflecting on it all. Are there any regrets?

Speaking on the Tennis Insider Club podcast the next day, Cirstea opened up about the journey behind the headlines. She spoke of growing up with tennis as a “job” from age 4, not reaching the ranking or titles she dreamed of, and the mental wear and tear caused by pain, pressure, and perfectionism. The conversation was raw, honest, and deeply personal.

“I don’t believe those people who say I don’

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